AccuWeather’s WinterThe great writers who have gone on before, and many who will follow after, have often used the seasons to symbolize life. One of the best examples of this symbolism is a song that my wife has performed beautifully in worship service called Every Season (words and music by Nichole Nordeman). But no matter the author nor the medium in which they present their art, winter always represents death and it is followed swiftly by the hope and new life of spring.

I must confess that I feel the coldness of winter in my life. This weekend brings with it the cold, bleak reality that I have experienced the passing of another season….another wonderful season….another joy-filled, emotionally-uplifting, football season. *sigh* This hurts because football is my friend. I love football, no matter how it comes to me. High School, College, Professional, Pee-Wee, Flag, Table top, Madden ‘08….you name it. I’m addicted.

So as the New England Patriots try to carve their name into history, the New York Giants will be countering every blow….and I will be soaking it all in. I may laugh at the commercials, but it is not joy that I feel. I may gorge myself on chicken wings, but only because I must. And that fourth brownie I eat will be my futile attempt to chase away the pain that Monday will bring.

Football, I will miss you. Please come back to me soon.

With this unwavering commitment and my deep passion for this game, there is only one thing that can fill the deep void in my soul…college basketball. I love basketball…